The Last Days of Saddam Hussein: An Unexpected Humanization of a Dictator and Iraq’s Present Challenges

By The Asia Times

As the sun set on one of the most notorious figures of modern history, the world witnessed an unexpected story—one that humanized the man behind countless atrocities. In the book The Prisoner in His Palace: Saddam Hussein, His American Guards, and What History Leaves Unsaid, author Will Bardenwerper offers a unique glimpse into the final days of Saddam Hussein, a dictator who faced execution after decades of ruling Iraq with an iron fist.

In these final moments, Saddam was guarded by twelve American soldiers—dubbed the "Super Twelve"—whose task was simple yet complicated: keep the former dictator alive, only to deliver him to his eventual execution. This paradox of duty versus humanity forms the core of Bardenwerper's narrative, where Saddam’s relationship with his captors takes unexpected turns, posing deep moral questions that reverberate far beyond the walls of his cell.

The Irony of Empathy

It would be easy to assume that the twelve American soldiers would view their prisoner with disdain, seeing him as nothing more than a brutal tyrant responsible for the deaths of thousands. Yet, the daily interactions between the guards and Saddam gradually chipped away at this simplistic narrative. Over time, the soldiers found themselves grappling with an unexpected empathy toward Saddam—a man whose brutality was matched only by his charisma.

As the author notes, “He was a monster, but he was also a man.” The soldiers who once prepared to guard a ruthless dictator instead encountered a person capable of surprising acts of kindness, albeit small gestures within a confined space. They saw not only his authoritative demeanor but also moments of vulnerability, dignity, and introspection.

Saddam's Final Battle: Acceptance of Fate

What stood out to the guards was Saddam's acceptance of his fate. He appeared stoic, calm, and even philosophical as the days passed, making comments like, “They will write the history they want. But I know the truth.” These words reflect the complex self-perception of a man aware of his historical infamy yet unfazed by his imminent death. His calmness was unnerving, a reminder of his ability to control the narrative—even in chains.

While Saddam's actions as Iraq's ruler were horrific, his behavior in captivity painted a more layered picture. For instance, he occasionally showed genuine concern for the guards, asking about their families and discussing mundane topics with unexpected warmth. This marked a stark contrast to his public persona, where ruthlessness was his hallmark. The author captures this duality well, indicating that Saddam was “a man who could be chilling one moment and charming the next.”

Moral Dilemmas for the "Super Twelve"

The young American soldiers, tasked with guarding Saddam, found themselves wrestling with an ethical paradox: how to treat a condemned man who was once a symbol of terror but now seemed frail and powerless. Their internal struggles reflected broader themes of justice and humanity.

The guards were haunted by the realization that they were keeping a man alive not to protect him, but to ensure his execution. This contradiction weighed heavily on them, especially as they witnessed Saddam’s calm acceptance of his fate. As one of the soldiers reflected, “I never imagined I’d feel this way about him. It’s hard to explain, but somehow, knowing the man didn’t make me forget the monster.”

Iraq After Saddam: The Challenges of a Nation in Turmoil

Following Saddam Hussein’s execution in 2006, Iraq entered a new chapter of profound political, social, and sectarian instability. While Saddam's rule was marked by authoritarianism, his regime maintained a level of control that kept certain regional conflicts, particularly with Iran, in check. His removal not only reshaped Iraq but also created a vacuum that led to new challenges, both domestically and in Iraq’s relationship with neighboring countries.

Post-Saddam Instability: A Nation in Disarray

After Saddam's death, Iraq struggled to establish a stable and cohesive government. Sectarian divisions, which were often suppressed under Saddam's iron-fisted rule, erupted into widespread violence. The power vacuum allowed different factions, militias, and terrorist groups to rise, with Al-Qaeda in Iraq evolving into what later became ISIS, further destabilizing the region.

The U.S.-led coalition and Iraq’s new government faced difficulties in uniting various ethnic and sectarian groups, such as Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, and Kurds, leading to fractured governance and challenges in creating a sense of national identity. Corruption, ineffective governance, and a lack of infrastructure development exacerbated the situation, resulting in a prolonged cycle of unrest.

Iran’s Influence in Post-Saddam Iraq

Under Saddam, Iraq was seen as a counterweight to Iran in the Middle East. The eight-year Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) exemplified Saddam's efforts to contain Iranian influence in the region, motivated by a mix of territorial ambitions, ideological opposition, and power dynamics. Despite the brutal conflict, Saddam’s strongman tactics effectively limited Iran’s influence within Iraq during his reign.

With Saddam's ouster, Iran quickly moved to fill the power vacuum, increasing its influence over Iraq’s political landscape, particularly among the majority Shia population. Iran supported Shia political parties and armed groups, such as the Badr Organization and later the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which played significant roles in Iraqi politics and security. Iran's influence became so pervasive that it has often been described as a "kingmaker" in Baghdad, shaping Iraqi politics and even security policy.

How Saddam Managed Iran: A Look Back

Despite the hostility, Saddam maintained a strategic approach toward Iran. His rule was characterized by:

1. Military Strength and Surveillance:
   • Saddam kept a strong military presence along the Iran-Iraq border, maintaining a constant watch to prevent Iranian infiltration and influence in Iraq. His intelligence apparatus was particularly focused on countering Iranian-backed factions in Iraq.
2. Secular Nationalism:
   • Saddam's secular Ba'athist ideology played a significant role in containing Iran's influence, as his regime promoted Arab nationalism over sectarian lines. While this often came at the cost of brutal repression, it curbed Iran's ideological appeal among Iraq's Shia majority.
3. Regional Alliances:
   • During the 1980s, Saddam’s Iraq had support from several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, as well as Western powers like the United States and France. These alliances were primarily formed to prevent Iranian dominance in the Gulf region.
4. Economic Sanctions on Iran:
   • Saddam sought to weaken Iran through economic measures, including attempting to dominate the oil market and enforce sanctions. Iraq’s oil exports were strategically aimed at outmaneuvering Iran in the international oil economy.

Conclusion: Saddam’s Legacy and Iraq’s Future

Saddam Hussein’s rule was marked by brutality, but his approach towards Iran was strategic and rooted in regional power dynamics. While his methods were harsh, they were effective in limiting Iran’s influence over Iraq. In contrast, the post-Saddam era has seen Iraq becoming more intertwined with Iran, shifting the regional balance of power.

The absence of a unifying, albeit authoritarian, figure like Saddam has left Iraq struggling to define its sovereignty, manage its internal divisions, and stabilize its relationships with powerful neighbors like Iran. As Iraq continues to navigate this complex path, the lessons of Saddam’s era—both the failures and the strategic successes—remain relevant in understanding the nation’s ongoing struggle for stability and autonomy.